Toxic Churches: Restoration from Spiritual Abuse [Paperback]

Marc Dupont (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2004

Spiritual abuse devastates its victims perhaps more than any other form of violation, because it targets those who are most unprepared and vulnerable. In Toxic Churches, Marc Dupont reaches out to those who have given their time, money, and talents to the Body of Christ, only to find themselves hurting, frustrated, and confused. He also writes to Christian leaders who may have inadvertently hurt the flock of God entrusted to their care.
This book explores all aspects of spiritual abuse in the church. With care and tenderness, Dupont offers help and hope to those caught in abusive situations-people who might even be blaming themselves. He provides a healing balm to those with residual pain from past abuse. And he warns those engaging in abusive behavior, flagging telltale signs of warped and broken patterns. Those who have been used or abused by church leaders will find a deeper understanding of God's healing grace-both for themselves and for those who hurt them.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Have you been hurt by the very people you trusted most-your church leaders?

Have you given your time, money and talents to the Body of Christ, only to find yourself hurting, frustrated or confused? Are you a Christian leader who has hurt the flock God entrusted to your care? If you have felt used, controlled or even abused by your church leadership, you may be entangled in a toxic church. Pastor Marc Dupont points the way out of unhealthy spiritual relationships and into the freedom Christ offers.

Toxic Churches explores all aspects of spiritual abuse in the church. With care and tenderness, Dupont offers help and hope to those caught in abusive situations and provides a healing balm to those with residual pain from past abuse. Dupont also gives leaders engaged in abusive behavior ways to make it right.

"Marc Dupont's book, unlike others I have read on spiritual abuse, goes directly to the problem of abusive churches."-From the foreword by John White

"All readers walking through abusive pain will hopefully have the experience of walking into the Father's heart by reading what Marc has written."-Jack Taylor, Dimension Ministries, Melbourne, Florida

"I heartily recommend this book to you, both for yourself and for friends who are needing to come free from spiritual control."-John Arnott, senior pastor, Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship

About the Author

Marc Dupont, formerly on staff with Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship, is founder and president of Mantle of Praise Ministries, a transdenominational ministry concerned with revival and restoring the prophetic edge to the Body of Christ. Active in leadership ministry for fifteen years, Marc is married to Kim and teaches at seminars, conferences and churches in many nations. He is associate pastor of Heartland Community Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Chosen Books (February 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800793625
• ISBN-13: 978-0800793623
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #603,955 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The truth will make you free, February 24, 2004

By 

Pamela (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toxic Churches: Restoration from Spiritual Abuse (Paperback)

This book spoke volumes to me from the very beginning, from the words, "abuse is the misuse of power" to the chapter on forgiveness. If anyone has ever been spiritually hurt by misused power, this book is very healing. Mr. Dupont points out that the power of Jesus had nothing to do with ego and everything to do with love. When ego takes the place of love, that ego can cause hurt beyond belief. One woman in this book had suffered post traumatic stress disorder because of someone's ego. She wasn't raped, or physically harmed, but she was hurt by those who unwittingly and wrongfully represented the body of Christ. BUT there is hope in this book in reminding us all to keep our eyes on Him.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars easy to understand, May 7, 2007

By 

K.Koglin "K.Koglin" (Murfreesboro, TN USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Toxic Churches: Restoration from Spiritual Abuse (Paperback)

This was great!!! Purely scriptural and I only disagreed once or twice on his applications (but hey! we never agree 100% on everything). But his scripture examples lead you to examine your own life too! He was not opinionated to the point of turning me away from the scripture.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Toxic Churches: some what helpful, August 15, 2008

By 

Michael Brewer "Time-Lord" (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Toxic Churches: Restoration from Spiritual Abuse (Paperback)

I purchased Pastor Dupont's book because I've been through some abusive situations in the Christian community over the years. "Toxic Churches" is good at explaining some of the problems, but it doesn't do much to help folks who've been hurt to heal.